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A Game Developer’s New Game: Aditya Gaikwad’s Journey to Wellness

For years, he grappled with the burden of being overweight and the subsequent aches and pains. Owing to his hectic work schedule, he never focused on his health or did anything that was healthy. Unhealthy eating, drinking, and stress became the norm. Due to the persisting pain, he decided to turn his life around. Aditya Gaikwad, 39, is based in Pune and is a game developer, who defied the odds and took charge of his health before it was too late. Here is his inspiring story of perseverance and resilience. Discover the secrets behind his incredible transformation.

Life Before GOQii

Two and a half years ago, prior to joining GOQii, Aditya weighed 140 kgs. He led an absolutely bad lifestyle that consisted of an unhealthy diet, and drinking alcohol, both of which were coupled with mental stress, leading to aches and pains. So much so that he had to take painkillers daily. Although he was exercising, the results were not being achieved.

In March 2020, during the lockdown, he had chest pain, and that turned things around for Aditya. With COVID already looming over everyone’s heads, the lockdown was enough for Aditya to improve his health before it got out of hand. “The chest pain was a trigger enough for me to realize that I had to do something about my health,” said Aditya.

Introduction to GOQii & Making Lifestyle Changes 

In August 2020, he was gifted a GOQii watch by his brother. Aditya joined GOQii in February 2021 and started coaching in June 2021. At that point in time, Aditya weighed 133 kilograms. “As I started wearing the watch, I could see my step count. I figured one day I had walked 2 KM inside the house, and I did not even realize it. I did not do anything else other than walk. I was following the Happy Walk- exercise on YouTube, and my step counts were increasing, and I also started losing weight. My weight had decreased to 125 kgs.

He is thankful to his coach “She taught me the importance of a proper diet, says Aditya”. Aditya felt that if he had to improve his health, he had to listen to and take the coach seriously.

The coach slowly and steadily brought in the habits to follow and slowly and steadily cut down on certain foods. She added raagi and nachni to the food as alternative grains.

Having followed the coach’s advice has helped Aditya maintain a disciplined and less stressful lifestyle. He has completely stopped drinking alcohol and says he is very happy about it.

His family and friends are surprised at his dramatic change. He is now able to wear his favourite brand, Levis. The waist has reduced from 53’ to 40”. He has also taken to running now.

“For 35 years of my life I did nothing constructive to maintain my health and lifestyle. I am glad I am doing it now,” says Aditya.

What Are Coach Kinjal Lodaya Thoughts About Aditya Gaikwad’s Journey? 

Now he has come down to 103 kgs, he wakes up with high levels of refreshment daily, given up alcohol, hardly takes on any stress, meditates regularly, cooks for himself and family, and is able to manage time for hobbies, daily run, and exercise. He recovered from COVID pretty quickly and he was able to stay in ELITE even when he could not go for run and exercise for almost a month due to a small hairline fracture.

He is enjoying the healthy lifestyle habits he follows and the new self he has become. He confirms that he will never go back to his old lazy routines.

He takes part in all the challenges on GOQii be it healthy eating, 2022 km in 2022, etc.

Aditya’s inspiring journey is a testament to the incredible potential that lies within each of us to rewrite our health narratives. It demonstrates the power of dedication, resilience, and the guidance of a supportive community. If you or someone you know is on a similar health journey, share this article. Consider subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here for guidance and support.

For more motivating health stories, explore our collection here.

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Transforming Health and Life: Dhiren Matani’s Inspirational Journey to Wellness

Dhiren Matani - Healthy lifestyleIn the face of persistent health challenges, Dhiren Matani, (43), an entrepreneur from Mumbai, embarked on a journey of resilience and transformation. Battling weight issues and a heart condition for some years, he refused to succumb to the daunting odds. Through sheer determination, he took control of his health at the right time by adopting a disciplined lifestyle that nurtured positive change. With unwavering commitment, Dhiren not only managed to conquer these obstacles but also embraced a life of balanced well-being. His story is an inspiring testament to the incredible power of self-care, offering hope and motivation to all those on their path to vitality and wellness.

The Starting Point

So how did it start for Dhiren? In 2017, Dhiren weighed over 90 kg. He was walking 6 km daily and doing some exercises, but none of that reflected in weight loss. Then in 2018, he had a heart attack. That was the turning point for him.

“Post my heart attack, everything changed. I had to take care of my health. The doctor had recommended no running. Basically, I was restricted from doing any activity that would increase my heart rate. I was on medication for my heart issue,” says Dhiren. Dhiren continued with simple exercises like walking and yoga. However, he wanted to get healthy. And was looking for smart watch to help him align his lifestyle.

The Journey with GOQii

Dhiren’s search for a smartwatch eventually led him to GOQii. On reading about GOQii he realised the device came with 3 months personalised coaching. “I liked the fact that GOQii offered three months of personal coaching as well. I joined GOQii in February 2022,” says Dhiren.

On joining GOQii – His health goal was to reduce weight, maintain it, and also control his heart condition and blood pressure.

Dhiren’s initial coach, Gaurav, was focused on exercises for weight loss and a reduced-carb diet. “I used to watch Jeet Selal’s video on Play and Exercise,” says Dhiren. Dhiren lost around 6 kg within the first 3 months of joining GOQii. Thereafter, his coach changed, and Meenal Khandelwal was his new coach.

With coach Meenal, the focus changed. Coach Meenal took a holistic approach. She explained the right diet and how to eat right. She focused on maintaining Dhiren’s weight.

Meenal says: “I had to introduce a few habits for Dhiren”, such as  Reducing fat intake and adding healthy snack options  For a healthy, balanced diet, fruits and proteins were also added.

Take probiotics for better digestion and green tea with a pinch of cinnamon to control his Blood pressure.

The Challenges and Triumphs

It has not been easy for Dhiren. Maintaining a healthy routine is challenging due to busy schedules, temptations, and a lack of immediate results.

“Initially, it was difficult for Dhiren to change his routine due to his work schedule. But, slowly and steadily he worked towards it and was able to make the changes,” says coach Meenal.

Overcoming inertia, consistency, and adapting to setbacks require mental resilience. Yet, the rewards of enhanced well-being make the effort worthwhile, turning dedication into a catalyst for positive change.

Dhiren’s efforts to follow a routine and be disciplined and consistent helped him achieve his weight loss (his current weight is 78kgs). However, nine months ago, borderline blood sugar levels were detected, prompting a precautionary course of medication due to a family history of diabetes.

The medication was continued for a period of 4-5 months. Following this, regular blood sugar monitoring revealed normal levels, leading to the discontinuation of medication. His blood sugar is now under control and is focused on maintaining it.

A Journey Towards Wellness

In Dhiren’s inspiring journey, we witness the transformative power of discipline and dedication. He’s not only shed excess weight but has taken control of his health. With his blood sugar now under control and medications halted, he stands as a testament to what one can achieve with resilience.

As he continues to focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle with all his vital parameters under control, Dhiren’s story reminds us that every small step towards health is a giant leap towards a brighter, medication-free future. The journey is ongoing, and Dhiren’s determination keeps him on the path to lasting well-being.

If you or someone you know is on a similar health journey, share this article and consider subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here for guidance and support.

Explore more inspiring health stories here.

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Reducing HbA1c from 7.2 to 6.1 | Ram Sharma Health Story

Ram Sharma - GOQii Diabetes Care

There’s nothing sweet about diabetes and we’re all well aware about that. Factors such as a poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, improper sleeping patterns, stress and advancing age can cause diabetes. While it might seem overwhelming, diabetes is not an insurmountable affair. With proper self-care, guidance and a few lifestyle modifications, you can manage diabetes effectively like our Player Ram Sharma. Want to know how he reduced his HbA1c levels from 7.2 to 6.1? Let’s see how he did it! 

Before Joining GOQii 

Ram Sharma is a 47 year old working individual originally hailing from Rajasthan. As a part of a routine medical check-up by the company in 2022, he was shocked to find out that he had high sugar levels. His HbA1c levels were at 7.2 and he weighed around 97kg.

When he analyzed his health parameters, he was aware that his lifestyle had to change considering that he had, so far, lived a more or less sedentary lifestyle marred by stress and unhealthy eating habits. His consulting doctor had also put him on medication to control his sugar levels.  

He began looking at a few health programs that would help him. His friends suggested he get a smartwatch, and after a good bit of research, he zeroed in on GOQii as it also had an assisted program. He decided to go ahead with the GOQii Diabetes Care Program – which essentially helps people manage diabetes and take ownership of their health with guidance from certified experts and doctors. 

Making Lifestyle Changes with the GOQii Diabetes Care Program 

Once onboard in February 2022, Ram Sharma’s goal was to reduce his HbA1c levels and lose weight. His GOQii Coach Sweta Jaiswal began suggesting simple changes which included gradually increasing his step count and managing his diet through proper nutrition.

“In February, he started with a goal of 3k and slowly increased the step count to 5k. Simultaneously, he also started going to the gym to exercise,” says his coach, Sweta. 

Once he began interacting with his coach on a daily basis, he became more aware of what his actual weight should be. He then began asking his coach for ways to achieve his health goals. He followed all the instructions given by Coach Sweta Jaiswal and logged all his food and activities in the GOQii App.

While he followed all his coach’s instructions, one issue he still faces is eating his food on time. “Food timings are a bit off due to his hectic work schedule, but he is trying to maintain it as best he can, and has started meditation to make sure his day begins nicely,” says coach Sweta.

How Did These Changes Affect Ram Sharma? 

As of now, the combination of walking and strength training has helped Ram Sharma reduce his weight from 97kg to 82kg. On average, he clocks in 15K steps a day. As a result of his efforts, his adherence to his coach’s suggestions, and his dedication, he managed to reduce his HbA1c levels from 7.2 to 6.1. What’s amazing is that he has stopped all his medication and feels better too. “It’s because of GOQii that I am free of all medications and living a happy and healthy life,” he says. 

He further added, “I had a paunch, and now I am slim and trim, and people around me cannot believe it and ask me how I managed to do this. Here is when I suggest GOQii to family and friends.”

Currently, he walks 3-4 km a day, works out regularly, and has made a very healthy switch in his life with the guidance and motivation of his GOQii Coach. You can learn more about his journey as he speaks to our Founder and CEO, Vishal Gondal, on an episode of GOQii Health Stories here. 

Ram Sharma has been an elite player for the past 404 days. He has also upgraded to the Insure+ Program and has renewed his Diabetes Care Program subscription for 1 year in May 2023. 

Know someone with Diabetes who might need help? Share this article with them or ask them to check out GOQii’s Diabetes Care Program – India’s only diabetes program that is driven by Smart Science and Personal Coaching to improve Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Postprandial Blood Sugar (PP), and reduce HbA1c levels.

Find more inspiring health stories here. 

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Ashima Dalela Beats Gut Health Issues and Anxiety With GOQii

Ashima Dalela

You might have heard the saying, “Almost all diseases begin in the gut.” If gut health issues are left unchecked, it can get worse and affect your mental health too. Our Player Ashima Dalela suffered from gut health issues which led to severe anxiety and she visited around 15 doctors who were unable to identify the cause. But, she was able to fix the issue with simple lifestyle changes suggested by her GOQii Coach. How did she tackle her gut and anxiety issue? Let’s find out! 

Life Before GOQii 

Ashima Dalela is a young working professional based in Ghaziabad. For the longest time, she suffered from stomach issues and anxiety. Multiple doctors were unable to diagnose what was wrong, with some saying it was GERD and stomach infection. One doctor told her that it was IBS and her gut problem has combined with anxiety. Finally, one of the doctors she visited suggested GOQii. 

Identifying the Issue & Making Lifestyle Changes 

Since she onboarded, Coach Meenakshi was assigned to Ashima Dalela. Coach Meenakshi began by tackling the stomach issues and acidity. She prescribed specific foods to improve her gut health. She coupled nutrition with exercises such as asanas for the stomach, all of which slowly and steadily brought about a change. 

Initially, Ashima faced some difficulty in walking. So she was tasked with completing 2k steps a day. She was also skipping meals due to her situation and her condition was only getting worse. Despite some hurdles, Ashima stuck to the habits given by her GOQii Coach. Thanks to her dedication and her GOQii Coach’s constant motivation, she was able to fix her gut health issue as well as her anxiety. She now enjoys the live sessions on the app and always browses through Healthy Reads. She also enrolls for challenges within the app. 

Initially, her mother was skeptical about the coaching aspect but after seeing positive results, she is convinced that the coaching works. In fact, the entire family has adopted healthy habits. Her goal now is to stay active and gain healthy weight. 

 What Are Coach Meenakshi’s Thoughts About Ashima Dalela’s Journey? 

When Ashima came on board, she was very nervous about her health issues. She wanted to control:

  • GERD with symptoms like acidity in the morning, vomiting sensation, stomach upset, burning sensation, bloating and gas after meals 
  • Anxiety (20%, 1-2 anxiety attacks in a month because of health problems related to the gut) with symptoms like dizziness, increased heartbeat and numbness in hands and legs.

Now, her GERD has reduced by 95% without any symptoms after introducing habits like lemon water, detox water, eating slowly, adding curd, rice, kanji, etc. Anxiety levels reduced by 95% without any symptoms. Now, she can cope easily with any arguments/bad news. 

She has been practicing meditation, deep breathing and is generally more positive. Ashima doesn’t feel stress and anxiety while handling physical, mental and emotionally taxing situations. 

We changed to a new health goal on 15 August 2020 as she wanted to be more active in 3 months as she was unable to do any activity in the morning and evening because of work. She felt lethargic in the evening after office work. She was also facing haemorrhoid issues and irregular cycles. 

She feels 85% improvement in activeness with asanas, exercise and daily walks. Her bowel movement is fine with more water and salad intake. Menstrual cycle also continues now in September with the habit of seed cycle.

We’re now working with a new health goal from 10 March, 2021 – She wants to gain weight up to 53kg (weight was 50kg on March 10). Her current weight is 51kg thanks to the added habits of eating nuts and seeds, post workout meals and employing strengthening exercises.

To take a glimpse into Ashima’s inspiring journey with GOQii, watch her GOQii Health Story session with our Founder and CEO Vishal Gondal along with her GOQii Coach Meenakshi, Doctor Viral Thakkar and Divya Thampi here – 

If you suffer from similar issues or know someone who does, share this article with them and subscribe to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here. 

Find more inspiring health stories here.

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